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Houzz Tour: Historic Farmhouse and Log Cabin in Pioneer Country
A designer found on Houzz revives a 19th-century Utah property with fresh colors, playful patterns and antique finds
On a corner of Spring City, Utah’s main street, a stately stone home built in 1883 for an early settler stands as a testament to the area’s history. Florida designer Cindy McCarley recently teamed up with the current owner — a repeat client who first discovered her on Houzz — to refresh the interiors of both the stone house and a log cabin behind it, honoring the buildings’ heritage and architecture while boosting both character and comfort.
After: Today, beside the door is a marker identifying the home as the Behunin-Beck House, honoring its first two owners. Aside from updating lighting and the door color, McCarley didn’t alter the exterior of the house, which has looked essentially the same since it was erected almost 150 years ago near the spring that gives the city its name.
In addition to its rich history, the small community has a growing arts scene. The Behunin-Beck House’s new owner is eager to help draw people to the city, so her plan is to use the property as short-term rental and event space. “She’s very much a shaker and doer,” McCarley says.
Front door paint: Wythe Blue, Benjamin Moore
In addition to its rich history, the small community has a growing arts scene. The Behunin-Beck House’s new owner is eager to help draw people to the city, so her plan is to use the property as short-term rental and event space. “She’s very much a shaker and doer,” McCarley says.
Front door paint: Wythe Blue, Benjamin Moore
Before: The front door opens directly into the living room. When McCarley’s client purchased the house, it had been well cared for and still retained many original details, including its wide-plank wood floors and moldings. The wavy-glass windows, which have extra-deep sills due to the thickness of the stone walls, were in great shape too.
After: McCarley’s client found her on Houzz several years ago, and they’d already worked together on two houses in Florida. So they had an established trust when they began dreaming about this home’s potential.
“We wanted to be true to the heritage of the home, but had much to do in order to make guests comfortable,” McCarley says. “My client provided me with a number of reference books on Mormon furniture making and Utah history.”
McCarley had the wood flooring sanded and refinished. She painted the trim and covered the walls in a chinoiserie wallpaper. To furnish the house, she and her client sought out antique and vintage pieces (including the orange chair in the foreground of this photo), which they mixed with new and reproduction pieces covered in performance fabric where it made sense for comfort and durability. Their purchases were stored in the property’s barn during the construction phase.
Wallpaper: Katsura in Mist, Thibaut; trim paint: Oxford Stone, Farrow & Ball; ceiling paint throughout: Pale Oak, Benjamin Moore; fabric: Lyndhurst in Ocean, Kasmir
“We wanted to be true to the heritage of the home, but had much to do in order to make guests comfortable,” McCarley says. “My client provided me with a number of reference books on Mormon furniture making and Utah history.”
McCarley had the wood flooring sanded and refinished. She painted the trim and covered the walls in a chinoiserie wallpaper. To furnish the house, she and her client sought out antique and vintage pieces (including the orange chair in the foreground of this photo), which they mixed with new and reproduction pieces covered in performance fabric where it made sense for comfort and durability. Their purchases were stored in the property’s barn during the construction phase.
Wallpaper: Katsura in Mist, Thibaut; trim paint: Oxford Stone, Farrow & Ball; ceiling paint throughout: Pale Oak, Benjamin Moore; fabric: Lyndhurst in Ocean, Kasmir
When it came time to move in the sofa, though, they realized it wouldn’t fit through the original narrow front door. “I was like, especially in a town that size, how in the world will I get this sofa shipped back?” she recalls. “After much angst, and with people smarter than me, we realized we could get the sofa in through the bottom of the double-hung windows.”
A guest bedroom is just inside the front door on the left, wallpapered in period-appropriate vines and blooms. The wainscoting is all new, chosen by McCarley for its look as well as its ability to withstand wear and tear.
Pleated shades on the bedside lamps coordinate with the flowers on the wallpaper and bedding. The room lacks closets — a challenge throughout the house — so there’s a trunk at the foot of the bed for blankets and towels.
Wallpaper: Tasmanian Mimosa in pink and gray, Schumacher;
trim paint: Strong White, Farrow & Ball; window covering fabric: Hammond Check in Mineral, Thibaut
Pleated shades on the bedside lamps coordinate with the flowers on the wallpaper and bedding. The room lacks closets — a challenge throughout the house — so there’s a trunk at the foot of the bed for blankets and towels.
Wallpaper: Tasmanian Mimosa in pink and gray, Schumacher;
trim paint: Strong White, Farrow & Ball; window covering fabric: Hammond Check in Mineral, Thibaut
The en suite bathroom is large (relative to the bedroom, at least), and McCarley added extra hooks in it for hanging clothes.
The vanity was converted from one of several antique buffets found by McCarley and her client. The sink countertop and backsplash are made from a durable marble-look quartz.
Trim paint: Strong White, Farrow & Ball
The vanity was converted from one of several antique buffets found by McCarley and her client. The sink countertop and backsplash are made from a durable marble-look quartz.
Trim paint: Strong White, Farrow & Ball
The living room opens to the dining room via a pass-through across from the sofa.
New Windsor chairs circle an antique drop leaf table that McCarley and her client purchased in Florida. The client had originally selected antique chairs too, but McCarley deemed these more comfortable and safer to sit in than small, antique iterations.
An eclectic collection of paintings hangs above the new wainscoting — and more pop up throughout the house. “Most of the original art was locally found, as Spring City prides itself on being an artist community,” McCarley says.
Trim paint: Wythe Blue, Benjamin Moore; wallpaper: Pollen in Moss, Schumacher
New Windsor chairs circle an antique drop leaf table that McCarley and her client purchased in Florida. The client had originally selected antique chairs too, but McCarley deemed these more comfortable and safer to sit in than small, antique iterations.
An eclectic collection of paintings hangs above the new wainscoting — and more pop up throughout the house. “Most of the original art was locally found, as Spring City prides itself on being an artist community,” McCarley says.
Trim paint: Wythe Blue, Benjamin Moore; wallpaper: Pollen in Moss, Schumacher
Many of the antiques were purchased at a local antiques store, at estate sales or in Florida. But this pine piece in the dining area was in the house when the current owner purchased it. The provenance is unclear, but McCarley guesses it may have a storied history — perhaps dating to the early Mormon pioneers who traveled west to Utah. “Pine is part of the Mormon furniture making tradition,” she says.
Cafe curtain fabric: Huntington Plaid in Camel, Thibaut
Cafe curtain fabric: Huntington Plaid in Camel, Thibaut
Vintage china and glassware fills the hutch. The back of the cabinet was already painted blue, which helped inspire the home’s color scheme.
Between the dining area and kitchen, another antique cabinet displays more of the china collection. The door to its right leads to a combined mudroom and pantry.
Before: The existing kitchen had a functional vintage range as well as a modern stainless steel one with a microwave above it. It also had a wood-paneled ceiling and a large central island with a sink overlooking the dining area.
The door seen in the previous photo is just out of frame on the left.
The door seen in the previous photo is just out of frame on the left.
This sketched-out floor plan shows the new layout for the room and pantry, along with a small breakfast nook to the right of the stove. McCarley maintained the existing first-floor layout. But she had this area, as well as the previously pictured en suite bath, gutted so they could redo all of the plumbing and she could start fresh with the design.
At the same time, they rewired the house and installed heating and air conditioning. Previously, the house had been heated by an assortment of little potbellied stoves, which, along with the vintage range, McCarley’s client gave away to local residents.
Throughout the renovation — and as with all of her company’s projects — McCarley used Houzz Pro tools like Mood Boards and Selections for space planning, client communication, project management and invoicing.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
At the same time, they rewired the house and installed heating and air conditioning. Previously, the house had been heated by an assortment of little potbellied stoves, which, along with the vintage range, McCarley’s client gave away to local residents.
Throughout the renovation — and as with all of her company’s projects — McCarley used Houzz Pro tools like Mood Boards and Selections for space planning, client communication, project management and invoicing.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
After: The new kitchen is a faithful but functional reimagination of what was originally in the home.
“Kitchens in 1883 would not have had built-in cabinetry as we know it today,” McCarley says. “Instead, they relied on freestanding tables, plate racks and wall-hung shelving. We echoed this tradition through using open shelving, custom plate racks and a stunning mahogany island.”
The homeowner found the local craftsman, Dale Peel, who built the island and all of the cabinets. They kept as much of the original trim and moldings as they could, and Peel matched them as needed.
The home’s narrow doors posed a challenge once again when the island was delivered, however. “They couldn’t get the island in the house, either,” McCarley says. “We had to take it back home and take all the legs off, bring in the top, bring the legs in separate and put it together!”
Paint: Pale Oak (cabinets) and Wythe Blue (trim), Benjamin Moore
“Kitchens in 1883 would not have had built-in cabinetry as we know it today,” McCarley says. “Instead, they relied on freestanding tables, plate racks and wall-hung shelving. We echoed this tradition through using open shelving, custom plate racks and a stunning mahogany island.”
The homeowner found the local craftsman, Dale Peel, who built the island and all of the cabinets. They kept as much of the original trim and moldings as they could, and Peel matched them as needed.
The home’s narrow doors posed a challenge once again when the island was delivered, however. “They couldn’t get the island in the house, either,” McCarley says. “We had to take it back home and take all the legs off, bring in the top, bring the legs in separate and put it together!”
Paint: Pale Oak (cabinets) and Wythe Blue (trim), Benjamin Moore
A 43-inch La Cornue CornuFé range in Ocean anchors the range wall. “When she decided to do that Cornue range, I was just like, ‘Goody!’ I just knew that would make the kitchen so pretty,” McCarley says.
The client collected the copper pots hanging from the brass pot rail on the backsplash. The exhaust fan is discreetly tucked into the custom hood above them.
The client collected the copper pots hanging from the brass pot rail on the backsplash. The exhaust fan is discreetly tucked into the custom hood above them.
To the right of the range wall is a small breakfast nook with an antique table and chairs.
Wallpaper: Meadow in Blush, Thibaut; cafe curtain fabric: Huntington Plaid in Camel, Thibaut
Wallpaper: Meadow in Blush, Thibaut; cafe curtain fabric: Huntington Plaid in Camel, Thibaut
Lower doors to the left of the range conceal two 27-inch refrigerator drawers. The kitchen is relatively small and McCarley wanted the range wall to be symmetrical, so the full-size refrigerator-freezer is in the adjacent pantry.
Refrigerator drawers: Sub-Zero
Refrigerator drawers: Sub-Zero
Perpendicular to the range wall, a wallpaper-backed plate rack hangs above a farm sink with an unlacquered brass bridge faucet.
Designing a rack like this was a first for McCarley. “I am a certified kitchen and bath designer and this is one of my all-time favorite kitchens,” she says. “It’s so workable and at the same time so pretty.”
Two pendant lights, visible in the first kitchen picture, illuminate the quartzite countertop and backsplash. There are also recessed ceiling lights, which the photographer digitally edited out to keep attention on the design details.
Composite sink: 33 inches, Native Trails; widespread bridge faucet: Perrin & Rowe
Designing a rack like this was a first for McCarley. “I am a certified kitchen and bath designer and this is one of my all-time favorite kitchens,” she says. “It’s so workable and at the same time so pretty.”
Two pendant lights, visible in the first kitchen picture, illuminate the quartzite countertop and backsplash. There are also recessed ceiling lights, which the photographer digitally edited out to keep attention on the design details.
Composite sink: 33 inches, Native Trails; widespread bridge faucet: Perrin & Rowe
A hardworking mudroom-pantry with built-in open shelving is behind that sink wall. The microwave, coffee maker, toaster and the previously mentioned fridge all live in this room, and more dishes and supplies are stored behind cafe curtains made by a local seamstress.
Undercounter curtains, Leighton Check in Rose, Thibaut; wallpaper, Hidden Ivy, Schumacher
Undercounter curtains, Leighton Check in Rose, Thibaut; wallpaper, Hidden Ivy, Schumacher
An exterior door to the left of the coat rack leads to a small porch. “There’s a lot of snow, so a lot of water,” McCarley says. “So I decided let’s paint the floor instead of putting wood there. I really think it’ll look even better over time when those diamonds get a little worn.”
Trim paint: Stratton Blue, Benjamin Moore; floor paint: Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore (dark squares) and Bancha, Farrow & Ball (light squares); window curtain fabric, Huntington Plaid in Seaglass, Thibaut
Trim paint: Stratton Blue, Benjamin Moore; floor paint: Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore (dark squares) and Bancha, Farrow & Ball (light squares); window curtain fabric, Huntington Plaid in Seaglass, Thibaut
The staircase leading from the living room to the second story is original, including the delicate curlicue details along its stringer. McCarley added wainscoting to protect the wall from suitcases. More antiques, including a chair from a local antique store, fill the space below the stairs.
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Another antique chest is at the top of the stairs, with a landscape oil painting by Shirley Britsch, a local artist, hanging above it.
“I was with [my client] when she bought that painting,” McCarley says. “I kind of helped talk her into it because it was pretty expensive, but it’s so pretty.”
“I was with [my client] when she bought that painting,” McCarley says. “I kind of helped talk her into it because it was pretty expensive, but it’s so pretty.”
A larger, sun-filled bedroom is upstairs, with a new closet and an antique reproduction brass bed. The trim and wainscoting’s springlike green color was color-matched to the existing paint. Notice the depth of the windowsills.
Wallpaper: Jane Mural in Leaf, Schumacher
Wallpaper: Jane Mural in Leaf, Schumacher
The en suite bathroom has another old wooden serving buffet retrofitted with a quartz top and undermount sink.
An unusual antique double-sided desk, found in Florida, is in an adjacent office, paired with a set of antique chairs reupholstered in Pottery Barn pillow fabric. The flush-mount light fixture was a last-minute replacement, but it fits the part.
Wallpaper: Emerson in Green on Ivory, Schumacher; lamps: Pooky Lighting
Wallpaper: Emerson in Green on Ivory, Schumacher; lamps: Pooky Lighting
Before: After reviewing the layout of the home, McCarley and her client realized they could add more living space in this unfinished attic. Here, the impressive thickness of the stone walls is especially evident.
After: To create space to install electrical and internet, they squared off the walls and lowered the ceiling. The so-called bunkroom now has two queen-size four-post spindle beds and a TV on the opposite wall.
Wallpaper: Wild Ferns in blue, Schumacher; window treatment fabric: Wesley Ticking Stripe in aqua, Schumacher; trim paint: Buxton Blue, Benjamin Moore
Wallpaper: Wild Ferns in blue, Schumacher; window treatment fabric: Wesley Ticking Stripe in aqua, Schumacher; trim paint: Buxton Blue, Benjamin Moore
The neighboring bathroom is small and sweet. McCarley had the linen shower curtain embroidered with a B, in honor of the home’s eponym.
Wallpaper: Folklore in Ivory and Multi, Schumacher; trim paint; Buxton Blue, Benjamin Moore
Wallpaper: Folklore in Ivory and Multi, Schumacher; trim paint; Buxton Blue, Benjamin Moore
This side view of the house, which features the door leading into the dining room and, to its right, the breakfast nook, also reveals a glimpse of the log cabin and barn that sit behind the house.
The log cabin is original. It was restored on a foundation by a previous owner in the 1980s, but it got an interior refresh during this renovation.
They didn’t touch the charming hand-painted floral flourishes on the front door, however.
Before: The front door opens to a large main room. As with the potbellied stoves in the main house, McCarley’s client gave this one away to a local resident.
After: New heating and air conditioning were installed and the ceiling, walls and trim were painted. The new look is, appropriately, a bit more folksy here than in the main house, but the colors and patterns tie the two spaces together.
Paint: Pale Oak (walls) and Buxton Blue (trim), Benjamin Moore
Paint: Pale Oak (walls) and Buxton Blue (trim), Benjamin Moore
McCarley furnished the space with more antiques, including this Hoosier cabinet — an early-20th-century precursor to today’s built-in workstations. The hunt was both fun and nostalgic for McCarley.
“My mom loved antiques, and she and I and one of my sisters worked together [designing] a whole bunch of log cabins in Fredericksburg, Texas,” she says. “My mom would just love if she could see all this stuff we’re doing.”
“My mom loved antiques, and she and I and one of my sisters worked together [designing] a whole bunch of log cabins in Fredericksburg, Texas,” she says. “My mom would just love if she could see all this stuff we’re doing.”
The existing, well-worn vintage washboard sink was simply dressed up in a new skirt.
Before: The existing bathroom had a water heater in one corner, next to a classic pedestal sink.
After: McCarley kept the sink and light fixture, replaced the hardware and mirror and hid the water heater behind a screen. Horseshoe towel hooks on the opposite wall are reflected in the mirror.
A chinoiserie-style floral wallpaper echoes the wallpaper used throughout the main house.
Wallpaper: Hill Garden in Coral and Green, Thibaut
A chinoiserie-style floral wallpaper echoes the wallpaper used throughout the main house.
Wallpaper: Hill Garden in Coral and Green, Thibaut
They also kept the existing claw-foot tub, replacing the shower curtains with a neutral scalloped-edge design.
The bedroom is in the loft, with a four-post spindle bed at one end that matches those in the bunkroom in the main house. McCarley dressed it in an Irish Chain-pattern patchwork quilt.
At the opposite end of the loft, what’s sometimes referred to as a “Mormon sofa” — an ingenious precursor to the modern foldout bed — serves as a couch and an extra sleeping space. Another is downstairs, in the living room.
A barn beside the log cabin is next on the list to transform, into a hub for classes and events.
Since the project began, McCarley and her client have felt a strong responsibility to honor the home’s history and the town’s heritage. “As you can imagine, remodeling this house in a tiny town was the talk of the town,” she says. One day, the grandson of the original owner even stopped by. More recently, the property was included on a local house tour, where it received an enthusiastic reception — much to McCarley’s gratification. “I think we had a lot of doubters when we started, but we won them over when they saw the finished project,” she says.
Together, the barn project and the restored home represent more than a makeover — they reflect a commitment to preserving Spring City’s character while ensuring it continues to thrive.
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Since the project began, McCarley and her client have felt a strong responsibility to honor the home’s history and the town’s heritage. “As you can imagine, remodeling this house in a tiny town was the talk of the town,” she says. One day, the grandson of the original owner even stopped by. More recently, the property was included on a local house tour, where it received an enthusiastic reception — much to McCarley’s gratification. “I think we had a lot of doubters when we started, but we won them over when they saw the finished project,” she says.
Together, the barn project and the restored home represent more than a makeover — they reflect a commitment to preserving Spring City’s character while ensuring it continues to thrive.
More on Houzz
See more home tours
Browse millions of photos for ideas
Find home professionals
Sponsored
House at a Glance
Who lives here: A Salt Lake City businesswoman
Location: Spring City, Utah
Size: 2,200 square feet (204 square meters); three bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a log cabin with one bedroom and one bathroom
Designer: Cindy McCarley Designs
Contractor: Rick Christensen
Before: With its Gothic-inspired dormers and Greek cornice details, seen here in an early photo, the house embodies the eclectic style that characterizes the well-preserved Mormon pioneer buildings that earned Spring City a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
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